WHERE'S THE PARK?
The residents of Chesapeake, VA are on a mission! And we are gaining momentum - so please continue to support this extremely important cause.
Many departments within the City of Chesapeake are in support of the DEEP CREEK PARK and would like to remind the citizens to continue to stand behind this park effort.
If you do not know much about this proposed project, we have lots of information that we would like to share with you.
History:
- In 1995 the City purchased 225 acres off of Route 17 (next to Sawyers Mill) with the plans to develop a District Wide park which will service the entire city of Chesapeake and will include many ammenities.
- A Master Plan was developed in 1998 at a cost of $178,600. The plan included a tremendous variety of recreational activities similar to the new plan.
- Funding for construction of Phase 1 of Deep Creek Park was proposed and included in the approved 1996 City Budget. Later in that budget year the funding for the park was retracted and spent on other things.
- Efforts to build the Deep Creek Park and provide desperately needed recreational space for the rapidly growing Deep Creek / Grassfield area were placed on indefinite hold while other Parks & Rec projects were conceived, funded and completed.
- In 2007 a movement began to rejuvinate community interest in the frequently passed over project.
- Community support was overwhelming. Everyone realized that this project is of tremendous benefit to Chesapeake as a whole, but especially the burdgeoning communities of Deep Creek & Grassfield.
Current
- In May 2008 City Council approved funding for redesign and funding for construction of phase 1 of Deep Creek Park.
- Unfortunately the 1998 design was put on the sideline for so long that the design had to be reworked to incorporate current code compliances and changes to survey and wetlands regulations.
- Due to updated topography and land surveys, less land is available on the site for development due to rules governing wetlands.
- The Parks & Rec Department completes the redesign in the fall of 2008.
- The City seeks a contract for farming the park site to maintain its ability to develop the site in the future.
- Active farming is currently in progress on the site.
- Parks & Rec continues to move forward with construction planning and anticipates construction to begin in November 2009.
- If all goes according to plan Phase 1 of the Deep Creek Park will be open for use in the spring of 2010.
**URGENT UPDATE**
Chesapeake City Manager announces that all items are on the table for possible funding cuts.
Please continue to support this project. Contact City Council and let them know that it is unacceptable to postpone this project again! $178,000 was already wasted on design costs due to delays in 1998. Don't let them waste it again! Make sure they know that the street is not an acceptable place for children to play!
Our Mission Statement: To create awareness and facilitate the development and growth of the Deep Creek Park.
Our Vision Statement: To promote outdoor recreation for the diverse citizens of Chesapeake and provide continued community support for the Deep Creek Park.
Please tell us what you would like to see on this site. Our goal is to bring the information to the public's attention so each person can decide why this park is important to them. We need your help! Please tell us what info you would like to know, we will do our best to provide you with as much info as possible.
